Meet the Team Behind
Blue Planet Marine
Our vison is to support effective management and conservation of the marine environment through the provision of quality research, data, knowledge and advice.
Our Team
Working together for a
sustainable future
Blue Planet Marine works year-round across the entirety of the Great Barrier Reef, engaging with government and NGOs on surveillance, protection, restoration, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, we have a dedicated Consulting & Training division which deploys flexibly and responsively both domestically and internationally to a broad range of client needs, from environmental assessments, surveys and research to marine species and habitat monitoring, technical and expert advice and permit/resource applications & consents.
Our Capabilities
A world-class marine environmental research and consulting service
Human activity impacts on the marine environment. Worldwide, environmentally and socially responsible organisations are working to become aware of their potential impacts and are proactively managing them.
BPM is a world-class marine environmental research and consulting service and can assist your organisation in identifying and managing potential environmental impacts. Via research, planning, implementation, assessment and management strategies, we work with our clients to meet their specific environmental, conservation and social goals.
the key players
Dr David Paton
Director & Founder
A highly experienced Project Manager, marine mammal specialist, turtle and seabird biologist, and ecologist with an extensive career spanning over thirty-five years. He has conducted research and contributed expertise across diverse environments, including Australia, the South Pacific, the Southern Ocean (Antarctic waters), the United States, and Canada. His work reflects a deep commitment to understanding and conserving marine and avian biodiversity, with a particular focus on the ecological interactions and conservation challenges faced by marine mammals, turtles, and seabirds in these regions. David's career demonstrates a blend of field research, project leadership, and ecological advocacy on an international scale.
Tim Phillips
CEO
Tim is the Group’s senior executive and has overarching responsibility for the wider business and its ongoing operations. Prior to joining BPM Tim spent over 30 years within the commercial and corporate finance industry across Europe, the Americas and Australasia. He has advised & funded a broad spectrum of businesses going through event driven, strategic change. Tim is focused on identifying & driving real-world improvements across all divisions of the organisation.
Tracey Nicholls
CFO
Tracey is the Group Company Accountant with over 10 years experience with Blue Planet Marine in the landscape of Australian & NZ business spanning finance, human resources, tax, commercial and business evaluation. Tracey has also been integral in developing the company’s Emission Reduction Strategy for the Crown Of Thorns Project and managing the carbon accounting of GHG emissions . Tracey has a strong interest in sustainability and identifying pathways towards a greener, resilient future for the company. Prior to joining Blue Planet Marine, Tracey worked for over 20 years in all tiers of Accounting Practice. Tracey is a Registered Tax Agent and also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.
Dr Simon Childerhouse
Principal Scientist & Country Manager (NZ)
Simon has worked as a marine mammal ecologist for more than 25 years in Australia, Antarctica, New Zealand, USA, Canada and the South Pacific. His work has included pure and applied marine research, leading and project managing large scale, international research projects, publishing across a broad range of marine research, lecturing and teaching at various universities, representation of Australian and New Zealand Governments at international forums, development of national and international policy and strategic documents, and delivering applied and practical solutions to challenging marine conservation and resource-utilisation issues.
Roberto Tusso
COTS Operations Manager
Roberto has over 10 years of experience in the marine industry, with a background in biology and research. He has extensive field knowledge across the Great Barrier Reef and broad experience in diver and freediver training, operational logistics, and reef management. At Blue Planet Marine, Roberto leads operations for the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program, supporting research and conservation efforts across the Reef.
Corey Lardner
Vessel Operations Manager
Corey is one of the longest serving employees at Blue Planet Marine and a central figure in day to day vessel operations. With a strong science background and over a decade of hands on experience at sea, he provides leadership across complex marine projects, working closely with vessel crews and clients to ensure operations are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard. Corey has a comprehensive understanding of vessel capabilities and project requirements, reflecting a long term commitment to Blue Planet Marine’s standards, assets, and the marine research and conservation outcomes it supports.
Sarah Laverick BSc (Hons), MFAB
Marine Scientist (NSW)
Sarah has a BSc (Hons) in Marine Freshwater and Antarctic Biology. She has over 20 years' experience with marine mammal research in all its facets. She is experienced in managing large-scale logistic projects including several Antarctic research voyages as Project Manager and Deputy Voyage Leader. Sarah also has experience with marine mammal stranding, oil spill response and cetacean entanglement response and monitoring.
Our Expertise
Experts in our respective fields
Our highly qualified marine specialists are experienced in the following services:
- Cetacean, pinniped, shark, turtle biology and ecology
- Underwater acoustics
- Genetics
- Data analysis, statistics and modelling
- Survey design and implementation
- GIS
- Satellite tagging and biopsying
- Environmental planning, education, and training
- Environmental monitoring and programme auditing
- Vessel Masters and vessel/crew supply
- Project and HSE Managers
- Expert evidence and advice
- Occupational/Commercial Divers
Our Values
Working together for a
sustainable future
The Environment – We have an overriding commitment to environmental responsibility and the health and safety of our team. We care.
Our Team – We value experience, knowledge and skills and have handpicked a team of over 50 exceptional people, each with a proven track record in delivery, quality and professionalism. We invest in our team.
Our Clients – We work alongside and listen to our clients. We tailor teams for each project to ensure we provide the right skill set, knowledge and level of experience. We respond.
Commitment and Delivery – We commit to providing high quality products and services. We deliver to deadline and to the expectations of our clients. We are professionals.
Staying Relevant – We develop and use technology. We conduct research and publish the results. We collaborate. We stay connected.